I still remember the first time I saw a text marketing campaign generate $50,000 in sales from a single message. The restaurant owner had sent a simple "Flash sale: 50% off appetizers for the next 2 hours" to just 800 subscribers.
I still remember the first time I saw a text marketing campaign generate $50,000 in sales from a single message. The restaurant owner had sent a simple "Flash sale: 50% off appetizers for the next 2 hours" to just 800 subscribers.
That moment changed everything I thought I knew about mobile marketing. While email marketing struggles with 20% open rates, SMS campaigns consistently achieve 98% open rates according to CTIA research.
Most businesses know text marketing works, but they struggle to create compelling campaigns that actually convert. The difference between a message that gets ignored and one that drives action often comes down to timing, personalization, and proven templates.
I've analyzed thousands of successful SMS campaigns across industries to bring you 67 examples that work. These aren't theoretical templates—they're real messages that have generated measurable results for businesses like yours.
Welcome Series Text Campaigns That Make Great First Impressions
Your welcome series sets the tone for every future interaction with new subscribers.
Welcome text campaigns are automated message sequences sent to new subscribers within 24 hours of opt-in, designed to introduce your brand value proposition and establish communication expectations.
- "Hey [Name]! 👋 Welcome to [Brand]. You're now part of our VIP text club! Expect exclusive deals, early access to sales, and insider tips. First perk: Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your next order. Reply STOP to opt out."
- "Welcome to the family, [Name]! 🎉 As a new [Brand] subscriber, you'll get weekly deals, flash sales, and product drops before anyone else. Your welcome gift: Free shipping on any order this week with code FREESHIP."
- "[Name], you're officially in! ✨ [Brand] VIPs get exclusive access to limited releases, member-only sales, and personalized recommendations. Check your email for your 20% welcome discount. Questions? Just reply!"
- "Hey there! Thanks for joining [Brand] text alerts. 📱 You'll hear from us 2-3x per week with deals, new arrivals, and special events. Your subscriber perk: 25% off any item ending in .99 today only!"
- "Welcome, [Name]! 🙌 You've joined [Number] smart shoppers who get our best deals first. Expect savings up to 60% off, early sale access, and surprise flash offers. First exclusive: BOGO free on all accessories until midnight."
Tip: Welcome campaigns work especially well for subscription box services and recurring delivery products.
Flash Sale and Promotional Campaign Messages
Promotional SMS messages create urgency and drive immediate purchasing decisions through time-sensitive offers.
Flash sale text campaigns are urgent promotional messages featuring limited-time offers, exclusive discounts, or inventory-limited deals designed to generate immediate sales within 24-48 hours.
- "🔥 FLASH SALE ALERT: 50% off everything! But hurry—sale ends in 4 hours or when we sell out. Shop now: [link] Use code FLASH50. Limited quantities available!"
- "⏰ Last call! Your cart items are 40% off for the next 2 hours only. [Product] + [Product] = $[Price] (reg $[Price]). Complete your order: [link] Ends at midnight!"
- "SURPRISE! 🎁 24-hour exclusive for text subscribers: Buy 2, get 1 FREE on all bestsellers. No code needed—discount applied at checkout. Shop before it's gone: [link]"
- "Weekend flash sale: $25 items, everything must go! 👕👖 Sizes selling out fast. Free shipping on orders $50+. Shop the sale: [link] Ends Sunday 11:59 PM."
- "🚨 PRICE DROP ALERT: [Product Name] just dropped from $[Old Price] to $[New Price]! Only 48 units left. Grab yours before they're gone: [link] Sale ends when inventory does."
Abandoned Cart Recovery Text Campaigns
Cart abandonment campaigns target customers who added items but didn't complete their purchase.
Abandoned cart text campaigns are automated reminder messages sent to customers who left items in their shopping cart, featuring personalized product details and progressive incentives to encourage purchase completion.
- "Hi [Name], you left [Product] in your cart! 🛒 Still interested? Complete your order in the next hour and get free shipping: [link] Need help? Just reply!"
- "Don't miss out, [Name]! Your [Product] is waiting. Plus, we'll throw in free shipping if you complete your order today: [link] Questions about sizing or fit? Reply and we'll help!"
- "[Name], your cart is about to expire! 😱 Save your [Product] + get 10% off when you checkout in the next 30 minutes. Use code SAVE10: [link]"
- "Almost forgot something? 🤔 Your [Product] + [Product] are still available. Complete your $[Amount] order now and save $[Discount] with code COMEBACK: [link]"
- "Last chance, [Name]! Your cart expires in 2 hours. ⏰ [Product] is in high demand—only [Number] left in stock. Secure yours now: [link] Free returns if not perfect!"
Tip: Abandoned cart campaigns perform exceptionally well for electronics and high-ticket items where customers need time to decide.
Event Marketing and Appointment Reminder Campaigns
Event and appointment messages keep customers informed and reduce no-show rates significantly.
Event marketing text campaigns are scheduled messages that promote upcoming events, confirm registrations, provide logistics updates, and send timely reminders to maximize attendance and engagement.
- "Reminder: Your appointment with [Name] is tomorrow at [Time]. 📅 Location: [Address]. Need to reschedule? Reply RESCHEDULE or call [Phone]. See you soon!"
- "[Event Name] starts in 1 hour! 🎉 Doors open at [Time]. Address: [Location]. Parking available on [Street]. Can't wait to see you there! Questions? Reply now."
- "Tomorrow's [Event] forecast: 🌧️ Light rain expected. Event continues as planned with covered seating. Bring a light jacket! Doors at [Time]. Excited to see you!"
- "[Name], your [Service] appointment is confirmed for [Date] at [Time]. 📋 Please arrive 10 minutes early. Bring ID and insurance card. Need to change? Call [Phone] by [Date]."
- "Webinar starting in 15 minutes! 💻 Join here: [link] Can't attend live? You'll get the recording within 24 hours. Questions during the session? Use the chat feature!"
Customer Loyalty and Retention Text Campaigns
Loyalty campaigns strengthen relationships and encourage repeat business through personalized recognition and exclusive benefits.
Customer loyalty text campaigns are relationship-building messages that celebrate customer milestones, offer VIP perks, and re-engage inactive subscribers to increase lifetime value and repeat purchase rates.
- "Happy Birthday, [Name]! 🎂 Your gift: 30% off anything you want + free shipping. Valid all month because birthdays should last longer than a day! Shop your gift: [link]"
- "Congrats, [Name]! You've earned VIP status. 🌟 Your perks: Free shipping always, early sale access, and exclusive member pricing. Welcome to the inner circle!"
- "We miss you, [Name]! 💔 It's been [Number] months since your last order. Here's 25% off to welcome you back: [link] Use code COMEBACK25. What can we do better?"
- "[Name], you're our customer of the month! 🏆 You've saved $[Amount] this year with us. Your reward: 40% off your next order + a surprise gift. Shop now: [link]"
- "Anniversary alert! 📅 It's been 2 years since you joined [Brand]. To celebrate: Buy 1, get 1 free on everything. No limits, no exclusions. Celebrate with us: [link]"
Seasonal and Holiday Marketing Campaigns
Seasonal campaigns capitalize on holidays and special occasions when customers are already in a buying mindset.
Seasonal text marketing campaigns are timely promotional messages aligned with holidays, seasons, or cultural events that leverage increased consumer spending patterns and gift-giving occasions.
- "🎄 Christmas countdown: 5 days left! Still need gifts? We've got you covered with same-day delivery available until Dec 23rd. Shop last-minute gifts: [link]"
- "Spring cleaning sale! 🌸 Everything must go: 60% off winter inventory. Make room for spring arrivals. Free shipping on orders $75+. Shop the clearance: [link]"
- "Valentine's Day is 3 days away! 💕 Don't panic—we have same-day delivery on flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. Order by 2 PM for today delivery: [link]"
- "Back-to-school deals are here! 🎒 Save 40% on backpacks, supplies, and tech gear. Students get an extra 10% off with .edu email verification. Shop now: [link]"
- "Black Friday preview! 🖤 VIP early access starts NOW: Up to 70% off everything. Public sale starts Friday. Get the best deals before the crowds: [link]"
Tip: Seasonal campaigns drive higher engagement for home decor and gift-related products during peak shopping periods.
Industry-Specific Text Marketing Campaign Examples
Different industries require tailored messaging approaches that address specific customer needs and behaviors.
Industry-specific text campaigns are customized messages designed for particular business sectors, incorporating industry terminology, customer pain points, and purchasing behaviors unique to that market segment.
- "Your table for 4 is ready! 🍽️ [Restaurant Name], party of [Name]. Please arrive within 15 minutes to keep your reservation. Running late? Reply with your ETA. See you soon!"
- "Prescription ready for pickup! 💊 [Patient Name]: [Medication] is available at [Pharmacy Location]. Hours: [Time]. Questions about your medication? Call [Phone] to speak with our pharmacist."
- "New listing alert! 🏠 3BR/2BA in [Neighborhood] just listed at $[Price]. Matches your saved search criteria. Want to schedule a showing? Reply YES or call [Phone]. Won't last long!"
- "Class reminder: [Workout Class] starts in 30 minutes! 💪 Bring water and a towel. New to the class? Arrive 10 minutes early for a quick orientation. Can't make it? Cancel by replying CANCEL."
- "Your car service is complete! 🚗 [Vehicle] is ready for pickup. Total: $[Amount]. We'll have your keys ready at the front desk. Thank you for choosing [Shop Name]!"
Advanced Automation and Trigger-Based Campaigns
Automated campaigns respond to customer behavior and data triggers to send perfectly timed, relevant messages.
Trigger-based text campaigns are automated messages activated by specific customer actions, behaviors, or data points, delivering personalized content at optimal moments in the customer journey.
- "Browse alert: [Product] you viewed is now 20% off! 👀 Plus, customers who bought this also loved [Related Product]. Complete your look: [link] Sale ends tonight!"
- "Reorder reminder: You usually order [Product] around this time. 📦 Skip the hassle—reorder with one click: [link] Or reply SKIP if you're all set this month."
- "Weather update: ❄️ Snow expected in [City] tomorrow. Your [Winter Product] order ships today and arrives before the storm. Track your package: [link]"
- "Milestone achieved! 🎯 You've walked 10,000+ steps for 30 days straight. Reward yourself: 25% off athletic gear with code ACTIVE25. Keep crushing those goals: [link]"
- "Price drop alert! 📉 [Product] on your wishlist dropped from $[Old] to $[New]. Only [Number] in stock at this price. Grab it before it's gone: [link]"
Creating Your Own High-Converting Text Marketing Campaigns
Building successful SMS campaigns requires understanding your audience, timing your messages correctly, and following compliance regulations. Start by segmenting your subscribers based on purchase history, engagement levels, and preferences.
According to FCC guidelines, always obtain explicit consent before sending marketing texts and include clear opt-out instructions in every message. Test different send times to find when your audience is most responsive—typically between 10 AM and 8 PM performs best.
Track key metrics like delivery rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to optimize your campaigns. Most successful businesses see 25-35% click-through rates on promotional SMS compared to 2-3% for email marketing.
Conclusion
These 67 text marketing examples prove that SMS campaigns drive real results when crafted with your audience in mind. The key is personalization, timing, and clear value propositions that make subscribers excited to hear from you.
Start with 3-5 campaign types that match your business model and customer journey. Test different messages, track performance, and refine based on what resonates with your specific audience.
Remember to follow US texting laws and include opt-out options in all promotional messages to maintain compliance and subscriber trust.
What makes a text marketing campaign successful?
Successful campaigns combine personalization, clear value propositions, perfect timing, and strong calls-to-action that drive immediate action.
How often should I send marketing texts?
Most businesses see best results with 2-4 messages per week, though frequency depends on your industry and subscriber preferences.
What's the ideal length for SMS marketing messages?
Keep messages under 160 characters when possible, or 480 characters maximum to avoid multiple message charges and maintain readability.
Do I need permission to send marketing texts?
Yes, you must obtain explicit written consent before sending promotional texts, and include opt-out instructions in every message.
What time should I send marketing texts?
Send between 10 AM and 8 PM in your customer's time zone, with Tuesday-Thursday typically performing best for promotional messages.